The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) released a request for proposals for the sixth phase of its Fit Community designation program.

The Fit Community designation program recognizes and rewards communities for their commitment to healthy living for their residents. With escalating numbers of diseases and preventable deaths in North Carolina linked to physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use, the public health implications of being overweight have become a growing priority for HWTF.

These behaviors increase the risks for cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and many other serious chronic illnesses. Communities across the state are taking action to address physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use by employing a broad range of strategies with a strong local partnership to give their residents increased access to healthy options.

“The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund recognizes the important steps that North Carolina's communities are taking to become healthier places for all people to live, work and play,” said Dr. Laura Gerald, HWTF executive director. “The Fit Community designation has the potential to attract new residents, promote economic vitality and signify an enhanced quality of life by publicly recognizing a community’s dedication to healthy living.”

All North Carolina municipalities, counties and lead agencies that represent municipal or county partnerships and meet specified eligibility criteria outlined in the request for proposals are eligible to apply for the designation. The HWTF is committed to selecting designees that represent a broad geographic range, diversity of needs and range of strategies used to address those needs. Active Living by Design, a part of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health, provides technical assistance for interested applicants.

There is no fee to apply for the Fit Community designation. For more information about the Fit Community program, or to download a Fit Community application, visit www.fitcommunitync.com. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 18.

The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund makes North Carolina stronger, both physically and economically, by funding programs that promote preventive health. Established by the General Assembly in 2001 to allocate a portion of North Carolina’s share of the national tobacco settlement, HWTF has invested $199 million to support preventive health initiatives and $102 million to fund prescription drug assistance programs.

For more information, visit the website www.HealthWellNC.com.